Many users searching for “Ayushman Card” find themselves confused between two completely different cards, the Ayushman Card (PMJAY Card) and the ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). Both are issued by the government, both fall under the broader Ayushman Bharat umbrella, and both contain “Ayushman” in their names. But they serve entirely different purposes.
This 2026 guide clears up the confusion in 5 minutes. By the end, you will know exactly which card you need (or whether you need both).
The Core Difference in One Line
The Ayushman Card provides ₹5 lakh in free hospital treatment. The ABHA Card is a digital ID for storing medical records and provides no insurance whatsoever.
What Is the Ayushman Card
The Ayushman Card (also called PMJAY Card or “golden card”) is the proof of eligibility under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the world’s largest government funded health insurance scheme. It provides:
- ₹5 lakh per family per year in cashless hospital treatment
- Coverage at 30,000+ empanelled hospitals across India
- 1,900+ medical procedures included across 27 specialties
- Zero waiting period, so all pre existing conditions are covered from day one
- Geographic portability so it is usable in any state
Eligibility requires SECC 2011 inclusion or 70+ senior citizen status under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. For complete eligibility rules and the application process, see our download tutorial.
What Is the ABHA Card
The ABHA Card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account), sometimes called Health ID or PHR ID, is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) launched in September 2021. It serves as a digital health ID that allows you to:
- Store all your medical records, prescriptions, and lab reports digitally
- Share records instantly with any doctor or hospital, with your consent
- Access your complete medical history across hospitals and over time
- Receive a unique 14 digit health number that identifies you across India’s digital health ecosystem
The ABHA Card does not provide insurance, treatment funding, or financial coverage of any kind. It’s purely a digital records system, similar to how Aadhaar is an identity number but not a benefit in itself.
How to Get an ABHA Card
The ABHA Card is issued at abha.abdm.gov.in. It can be created using:
- Aadhaar number via Aadhaar OTP authentication
- Driving licence for those without Aadhaar
- Mobile number alone without any other documents
Generation takes under 2 minutes. The ABHA Card arrives as a PDF with your 14 digit number, QR code, and basic demographic details.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Ayushman Card (PMJAY) | ABHA Card (Health ID) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Health insurance | Digital health records |
| Provides Insurance | Yes, ₹5 lakh per year | No insurance coverage |
| Eligibility | SECC 2011 + 70+ seniors | Every Indian citizen |
| Documents Needed | Aadhaar + SECC data | Aadhaar or mobile only |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Used At | Empanelled PMJAY hospitals | Any healthcare provider |
| Issued By | National Health Authority | National Health Authority |
| Format | PDF card with PMJAY ID + QR | 14 digit Health ID + QR |
| Application Time | 5 to 10 minutes + approval | 2 minutes instant |
| Waiting Period | Zero | Not applicable |
Key Differences Explained
Insurance vs Records
This is the fundamental distinction. The Ayushman Card gives you the right to free treatment. The ABHA Card gives you the ability to store and share medical records. They solve completely different problems.
Eligibility Scope
The Ayushman Card is restricted. Only specific families qualify based on SECC 2011 data or the 70+ senior expansion. The ABHA Card is universal. Every Indian citizen can create one in 2 minutes, regardless of income, age, or family status.
Where You Use Them
You use the Ayushman Card only at PMJAY empanelled hospitals when getting cashless treatment. You can use the ABHA Card at any hospital, clinic, diagnostic lab, or pharmacy connected to the ABDM network, which now includes most major healthcare providers across India.
Documentation Requirements
The Ayushman Card requires eKYC verification, SECC matching, and Aadhaar authentication. The ABHA Card requires only an Aadhaar OTP or mobile OTP. This is significantly simpler and faster.
What Each Card Displays
The Ayushman Card displays your PMJAY ID, family details, photograph, and a QR code that hospitals scan for cashless billing. The ABHA Card displays your 14 digit Health Number, demographic details, and a QR code that healthcare providers scan to access your records (with your consent).
How to Create an ABHA Card?
Creating your ABHA Card takes under 5 minutes and requires only your Aadhaar number and a mobile number. The entire process happens online at the official ABDM portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official ABDM Portal
Open any browser on your phone or computer and go to the official website at abdm.gov.in. This is the only official portal for ABHA Card creation. Do not use any third party websites or apps.
Step 2: Click on “Create ABHA Number”
On the homepage, look for the option that reads “Create ABHA Number” and click on it. This takes you to the registration page.
Step 3: Select Aadhaar as Your Verification Method
You will be asked to choose how you want to verify your identity. Select “Create your ABHA Number using Aadhaar”. This is the fastest and most commonly used method.
Step 4: Enter Your Aadhaar Details
Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number in the field provided. Read the consent statement carefully, tick the agreement box, then complete the captcha and click “Next”.
Step 5: Verify Your Mobile Number
Enter the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. An OTP will be sent to that number within a few seconds. Enter the OTP in the verification field and click “Next” to proceed.
Step 6: Add and Verify Your Email Address
Enter your email address in the next step. The National Health Authority will send a verification link to that email address. Open your inbox, find the email from NHA, and click the link to confirm your email. Return to the portal once verification is complete.
Step 7: Review and Submit the Form
After email verification, your basic details fetched from Aadhaar will appear on screen for review. Check that everything is correct, then click “Next” to move to the final step.
Step 8: Choose Your ABHA Address
You will now be asked to create your unique ABHA Address, which is a health username in the format yourname@abdm. This is your permanent health ID across India’s digital health system. Enter your preferred address and click “Create ABHA”.
Your ABHA Card is now ready. Download the PDF, save it to your phone, and store a copy in DigiLocker for permanent backup.
Important: ABHA Card creation is completely free. If any website asks for payment to create an ABHA Card, it is a scam. Only use abdm.gov.in for this process.
How to Get Ayushman Card?
Ayushman card is easy to apply. Visit the Ayushman Card Apply and find the complete details on our site.
Should You Have Both Cards
Yes, if you’re eligible for the Ayushman Card, holding both is the best strategy. They complement each other:
- The Ayushman Card ensures you pay nothing for hospital treatment at empanelled hospitals
- The ABHA Card ensures all your medical records from any treatment are stored digitally for future reference
Even if you are not eligible for the Ayushman Card, you should still create an ABHA Card. It’s free, takes 2 minutes, and works at virtually every healthcare provider in India. Doctors increasingly prefer ABHA linked patients because they can see complete medical history instantly without manual file retrieval.
When to Use Which Card
| Situation | Card to Use |
|---|---|
| Hospitalisation at empanelled hospital | Ayushman Card |
| Storing prescriptions and lab reports | ABHA Card |
| Sharing records with a new doctor | ABHA Card |
| Free ₹5 lakh hospital treatment | Ayushman Card |
| OPD visits and consultations | ABHA Card |
| Senior citizen 70+ free treatment | Ayushman Card (Vay Vandana) |
| Building lifelong medical history | ABHA Card |
| Emergency cashless admission | Ayushman Card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABHA Card the same as Ayushman Card?
No, they are completely different. The Ayushman Card provides ₹5 lakh free health insurance for eligible families and seniors. The ABHA Card is a digital ID for storing medical records and provides no insurance. Both fall under Ayushman Bharat but serve entirely separate purposes.
Can I use my ABHA Card for free hospital treatment?
No, the ABHA Card provides no insurance or financial coverage. It only stores medical records digitally. For free treatment, you need the Ayushman Card, which requires SECC 2011 eligibility or 70+ Vay Vandana qualification.
Is the ABHA Card mandatory for the Ayushman Card?
No, the two are completely independent. You can obtain an Ayushman Card without an ABHA Card and vice versa. However, holding both is recommended if you’re eligible for the Ayushman Card.
Who can get an ABHA Card?
Every Indian citizen can create an ABHA Card. There are no income, age, or family restrictions. Creation takes 2 minutes at abha.abdm.gov.in using Aadhaar or mobile authentication.
Is the ABHA Card free?
Yes, like the Ayushman Card, the ABHA Card is completely free. There is no application fee or any other charge. If anyone requests payment to create an ABHA Card, it’s a scam.
Does the ABHA Card replace the Ayushman Card?
No, neither replaces the other. They serve different functions in the healthcare system. Use your Ayushman Card for insurance coverage at empanelled hospitals. Use your ABHA Card for medical records at any healthcare provider.
Last Updated: May 2026. Verified from pmjay.gov.in and abdm.gov.in. Helpline: 14555.
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